Quickly Switch Users On Your Mac

A convenient option on the Mac (Book) lets you switch between users easily and quickly. In this tip you can read how it works.

Fast User Switching On The Mac

Not everyone has his Mac completely for himself, since many are setting up multiple users. So you can - just like on a normal PC - switch between your own settings, preferences
and files.However, it is quite a hassle to switch users. You have to log out first, after which the other user has to log in again on the login screen.

In MacOS High Sierra (and older versions) there is a function that allows you to switch between users more quickly. This is done via the menu bar, which works much easier. The function is rather hidden in the operating system, but by following the steps below, you activate it.

1.    Open the System Preferences by clicking on the corresponding app or selecting the option in the menu bar (Apple icon> System Preferences).

2.    Choose 'Users and groups.

3.    Click the padlock at the bottom left of the menu to enter your password. You must do this in order to be able to change settings.

4.    Then press 'Login options' and enable the 'Menu for fast user switchover.

When you have enabled fast user switching, you have to indicate what should appear in the menu bar. You have the choice between 'Symbol', 'Account name' and 'Full name'. Choose the option that clearly shows the different users for you. You can then switch between the different users on your Mac at any time. For this a new button appears on the right side of the menu bar.

Set Up Multiple Users

If you use a Mac with the whole family, but not everyone has an account, it is useful to set this up. In the tip below you can read exactly how you should. Each account is protected with a password and has its own files. This way you prevent others from having access to files that are meant only for you.

It is also possible to create a guest user on the Mac . This is useful when someone is visiting or when you are lending your computer. Guest users can not adjust the settings of your Mac, allowing you to decide for themselves what they are allowed to do on the computer or not.